‘We can’t stand the noise’
SUNNINGHILL - THE residents of Baldersani complex on Simba Road in Sunninghill have expressed anger and concern with regards to what they say is a great deal of noise coming from the parking lot at the Core Shopping Centre located across the road.
Manager of Baldersani, Paul Johnston said the complex has had ongoing problems with loud music and shouting in the parking area outside the Meat Lounge restaurant. He said residents have reported that the noise goes on until 4am Thursday to Sunday.
Johnston said, “This is most annoying and disruptive to our residents and is a health hazard. There has been no visible policing from police or Metro police, although called for by the residents on numerous occasions.”
Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe said she has been to the Meat Lounge and is aware of the complaints made by residents. She said residents should contact the City of Johannesburg Health Department when the noise is occurring so they can evaluate the situation and take action there and then.
She added, “If this doesn’t stop, we will have to shut down the establishment, as this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Managing director of Core Shopping Centre, Jacqueline Meyer, confirmed that she has been in communication with Johnston, and added that as recently as 30 March, the centre had not received as many complaints.
She added that Core management created a no noise/idle only zone in the car park facing Baldersani complex, which is manned 24 hours a day with chevron barriers to demarcate the area and signage to advise patrons about the rules.
Meyer said that the centre has installed noise limiters recommended by the Department of Environmental Health which are checked bi-monthly to ensure the limits remain acceptable.
But Johnston said that as of 1 June the complaints have been consistent for the past seven months and there has been no improvement with regards to the situation.
When contacted, The Meat Lounge declined to comment.
Johnston has called on Sunninghill residents who have struggled with the noise to sign a petition he has started in a bid to get local government to intervene.
Details: Paul Johnston; baldersani@lumic.co.za
Watch the video of the early morning disturbance coming from the centre’s parking lot on the Fourways Review website
